EAST ELMHURST, N.Y. – A Connecticut man started his Independence Day holiday weekend sporting handcuffs after Transportation Security Administration officers caught him toting a handgun in his carry-on bag this morning, Friday, June 30.

On what is expected to be one of the busiest airline travel days of the entire summer, the man, a resident of New Town, Connecticut, was found to have an unloaded handgun among his carry-on items.

TSA officers detected the gun as the man entered the TSA checkpoint and placed his carry-on items on the x-ray conveyor belt. TSA officers contacted the Port Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the pistol and arrested the man on weapons charges.

Today’s gun catch marks the second time this year that a traveler has been arrested for bringing a gun to a LaGuardia Airport checkpoint. Two guns were detected at the airport’s checkpoints in all of 2016.

As a reminder, individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from law enforcement. In addition, TSA has the authority to access civil penalties of up to $12,000. A typical first offense for carrying a handgun into a checkpoint is $3,000.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on TSA.gov. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

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